Chippewa Falls Man Sentenced to 20 Years on Meth Charge

Tuesday, May 8, 2018 | WisDOJ l Press Release
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MADISON -- Scott C. Blader, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Shane Johnson, 40, of Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge William Conley to 20 years in federal prison for possessing 50 grams or more of methamphetamine with the intent to distribute. Based on Johnson’s criminal history, this was the mandatory minimum term of imprisonment for this offense. This prison term will be followed by 10 years of supervised release. Johnson pleaded guilty to this charge on March 6, 2018.

On November 23, 2017, Chippewa Falls police officers executed a warrant at Johnson’s residence where they found approximately 238 grams of methamphetamine, 432 grams of marijuana, 23.1 grams of heroin, 21.1 grams of cocaine, 284 vials of what officers suspected to be steroids, and multiple bags of unknown powders. Agents also found two pistols and approximately $5,135. The methamphetamine was analyzed and found to be approximately 98% pure. The heroin was analyzed and found to also contain fentanyl.

Johnson’s criminal history involving drugs and violence began when he was 18 years old. He has two prior felony drug offenses, which increased the mandatory minimum term of imprisonment he faced from 10 to 20 years. His other prior convictions include second-degree reckless injury, criminal trespass, obstructing an officer, OWI 2nd, 3rd, and 4th, theft, possession of marijuana, bail jumping, escape, and carrying a concealed weapon.

“Methamphetamine and heroin are dangerous drugs that destroy countless lives,” said U.S. Attorney Blader. “Dealers who repeatedly exploit the addictions caused by these substances for profit will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law by my office.”

The charge against Johnson was the result of an investigation conducted by the Chippewa Falls Police Department, Chippewa County Sheriff’s Department, Wisconsin State Patrol, Village of Lake Hallie Police Department, West Central Drug Task Force, and the U.S. Postal Service. The prosecution of the case has been handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth Altman.